In November 2010, the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA was selected to receive a $4,989,927 grant from California State Parks and the Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS). This was the only Y to receive one of the 62 state wide grants that were made available under the Sustainable Communities and Climate Change Reduction Chapter of Proposition 84.

Round One of this Statewide Park Program was intensely competitive. The Jackie Robinson Family YMCA Teen and Family Recreation Center project was selected for funding from a pool of almost 500 applications.“This is an incredible boost for arguably the most critical community of San Diego County,” said Michael Brunker, Executive Director of the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA.

“This investment from the State of California will build a legacy for our inner-city community. It allows us to immediately expand the mission-driven programs of the Y based on needs identified by our community.”

Currently the wellness center at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA is 1300 square feet. The renovation and creation of the new Teen and Family Recreation Center will be 6000 square feet with the option of expansion to 8000. The project also includes a Y Child Watch facility, allowing families child care as they use the facilities, a new parking lot, lobby and administrative offices.

“These dollars jump start the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA Capital Campaign project that is focused on completely rebuilding this Y,” said Baron Herdelin-Doherty, President and CEO, YMCA of San Diego County. “It will bring equal services to this deserving community.”

The grants are going to cities, counties, park districts and non-profit organizations all across California and will create 50 new parks and improve 12 existing parks. The grant recipients were selected in round one of two grant distributions authorized under the statewide park program within Proposition 84. In the Proposition, $400 million was made available for the acquisition and development of park and recreation facilities. Priority is given to new parks and the expansion of overused parks.

“The Y is a cause for strengthening community, committed every day to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” said Brunker. “This grant reinforces all of the great work that Y has invested in the Southeastern San Diego community since 1943 and allows us to extend our reach to work tirelessly to nurture the potential of kids, improve health and well-being, and give back and support our neighbors.”

Projections for the completion of the project estimate that the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA will be able to serve an additional 4500 - 6000 households.